Who Should I Start? Jerick McKinnon or Christian McCaffrey

Wednesday, January 10, 12:32 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (hernia, pelvis) was on crutches on Tuesday in his first day back at the team's facility following sports-hernia surgery on Jan. 2, which was performed by Dr. Williams Meyers. In addition to a sports hernia, McKinnon fractured his pelvis. It all means that McKinnon is doubtful to return for the postseason, even if the Chiefs make another run to the Super Bowl this year. The 31-year-old is eligible for free agency in March but has expressed interest in returning to Kansas City. McKinnon missed the final three games of the regular season and finished 2023 with just 21 carries for 60 yards and one touchdown while adding 25 receptions for 192 yards and four touchdowns through the air in 12 games played. Clyde Edwards-Helaire will have a bigger role as the No. 2 in KC's backfield behind Isiah Pacheco now that McKinnon is out.

Sunday, October 19, 11:44 PM

The San Francisco 49ers have been as banged up as any team in the NFL this year, but they can beat any team in the league as long as star running back Christian McCaffrey is healthy. McCaffrey once again dominated offensive touches for San Fran in Sunday night's victory over the visiting Atlanta Falcons in Week 7, touching the football 31 times for 201 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. The 29-year-old do-it-all back had a season-high 24 carries for 129 rushing yards (his first 100-yard game of 2025) and added two rushing scores, as an improved Falcons defense had no answers for him. CMC added seven catches on eight targets for 72 receiving yards. McCaffrey has been the Niners' leading receiver this year and has three receiving touchdowns and three rushing TDs as a balanced offensive threat like few others in the league. Despite another tough test in Week 8 against the Houston Texans' defense, CMC continues to be a must-start, elite RB1 in fantasy football.